Posted on 06/03/2009 5:17:00 PM PDT by reaganaut1
About five years ago, shortly before my term ended as a Regent of the University of California (UC), I was having a casual conversation with a very high-ranking UC administrator about a proposal that he was developing to increase "diversity" at UC in a manner that would comply with the dictates of California's Constitution and the prohibition against race, gender and ethnic preferences.
As I listened to his proposal, I asked him why he considered it important to tinker with admissions instead of just letting the chips fall where they may. In an unguarded moment, he told me that unless the university took steps to "guide" admissions decisions, UC would be dominated by Asians. When I asked, "What would be wrong with that?" I got an answer that speaks volumes about the underlying philosophy at many universities with regard to Asian enrollment.
The UC administrator told me that Asians are "too dull - they study, study, study." He then said, "If you ever say I said this, I will have to deny it." I won't betray the individual's anonymity because to do so would put him in a world of trouble - and he would, indeed, deny having said it. Yet, it is time to confront the not-so-subtle hand of discrimination against Asians that masquerades as "building diversity" at many elite college campuses.
It is a mistake to believe that all forms of discrimination flow from hate and inherently foul motives. Certainly, the desire to attract more black students to a campus that is lacking in blacks is not an evil aspiration; however, when it becomes necessary to reject those who "study, study, study" in order to admit those who study insufficiently, then the mission to include more blacks becomes a much more ominous one.
Since the passage of Proposition 209 in 1996, Asian enrollment at UC has skyrocketed. UC Berkeley currently has a 42% Asian undergraduate enrollment; UC Irvine is at 55%; UC Riverside is 43%; and UC Los Angeles is 38%. The overall percentage in the nine undergraduate UC campuses is over 40%, in a state where the Asian population is about 13%. Thus, Asians are excelling under policies that emphasize and reward academic achievement at a ratio that is over three times their actual statewide population. If you are a proponent of "diversity" and representation (essentially a de facto quota system), this outcome is your worst nightmare.
As the percentage of Asians has skyrocketed, there is no question that UC administrators and social engineers on the UC faculty have become increasingly alarmed and feel a sense of obligation to do something to reverse the direction of UC's rapidly growing Asian student population; and, clearly, the only way to reduce the Asian presence is to place less emphasis on academic achievement.
In recent months, the UC Regents have deliberated about - and approved - a proposal that would significantly revise the admissions policies of the university. Beginning in 2012, UC will no longer automatically admit the top 12.5% of all students based on statewide performance, and will no longer rely so heavily on grades and test scores. Instead, the eligibility pool will be expanded by a projected 40% by eliminating the requirement for applicants to take the SAT subject matter tests. The net effect of these changes is that academic achievement will be less significant and UC admissions administrators will have the "flexibility" to discriminate against those "dull" Asians who "study, study, study" all the time without violating Proposition 209.
As is generally the case, the UC faculty was well aware of the probable effect of its proposed changes upon different racial and ethnic groups. Such knowledge is gained by the use of simulation models that are run as a matter of standard practice when new admissions criteria and policies are being proposed. Clearly, the UC leadership was fully aware of that its proposals would result in fewer Asians in UC admissions once the new policies kicked in.
Until now, it was certain that any change in policies that would adversely affect Asians would go unchallenged by Asians. The so-called Asian civil rights groups, such as Chinese for Affirmative Action, which purport to represent the interest of Asians, have not served their communities with distinction. Having cast their lot with the "diversity" and inclusion crowd, they have looked the other way when Asians have been the victims of blatant discrimination. The absence of a squeaky wheel demanding grease allowed the UC faculty and Regents to roll right along with their proposal and to approve it.
The proposed UC admissions policies are so egregious and so dramatically discriminatory against Asians that these groups could not remain silent - and have credibility within their communities, as the grassroots opposition from within specific Asians groups began to surface. It is noteworthy that what concerns these groups most is not the discriminatory effects of UC's proposals upon Asians, or the prospect of more blacks and Latinos being admitted, but the possibility that those devilish whites might stand to benefit from the changes. As one Asian advocate put it, "...it is patently unreasonable to herald any sort of increase in student diversity if it comes with an increase in white students... this is unacceptable."
There is one truth that is universally applicable in the era of "diversity," especially in American universities: an absolute unwillingness to accept the verdict of colorblind policies. Until that fact changes, UC and other American institutions will continue trying to fix that which is not broken, to achieve their arrogant version of "diversity," by discriminating against those "dull" Asians, such as two of my grandchildren whose mother is half-Vietnamese.
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Ward Connerly is president of the American Civil Rights Institute and a former Regent of the University of California.
Asians don't have a monopoly on this... anyone who instills self discipline will succeed... and those who are more interested in boinking MOTOS or partying pay the consequences... duh!
Oh Noes...does that mean we actually have to study?
Someone had to do it.
interesting
It is noteworthy that what concerns these groups most is not the discriminatory effects of UC’s proposals upon Asians, or the prospect of more blacks and Latinos being admitted, but the possibility that those devilish whites might stand to benefit from the changes.
As one Asian advocate put it, “...it is patently unreasonable to herald any sort of increase in student diversity if it comes with an increase in white students... this is unacceptable.”
That is an outlier of openly anti white attempts to wipe Caucasians off of America itself.
The point is to turn out well-rounded individuals. The workplace requires those who can work well with others, who have social and leadership skills as well as “book smarts.”
Sometimes the guy who graduates at the top of his class won’t be the most successful in the real world.
This goes hand in hand with NObama telling graduates in Arizona to not strive for excellance and success—just go to work for a ‘non-profit’ instead.
If I had been a parent of a student at that graduation, you would have had to haul me off the stage to keep me from slapping NObama.
Football, Basketball, etc....are huge profit centers for universities.
know any Chinese fullbacks? Didn’t think so.
A former colleague was absolutely genius-level (as were his kids and his wife), way above my level, but not what you would call well-rounded. A subsequent employer had to tell him of the necessity to bathe more frequently -- but this guy has produced some major advances in medical imaging technology that some readers of this post might have suffered without... the guy's a techie, doesn't need or want "leadership skills" and works pretty well in any environment that doesn't impose too many "social skills" upon him. Liberal in bent he'll accept most of the PC stuff being forced down, but hit him with something he won't agree with, you'll hit a stone wall.
If I were an engineering manager I'd hire him again in a flash. He was a "study, study, study" type in school and remains such today.
Asians don’t have their hands out to the government nor riot in the streets and destroy their neighborhoods when they don’t get their way. That’s boring. All they do is study, study, study and try to prepare themselves for working and contributing. Yawn!
Straight out of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged."
Well done.
“Asians are “too dull - they study, study, study.”
I dunno if I’d agree with that. I’ve known some pretty fun Asian ladies ;-)
My kid’s in graduate school. He has a few Asian students in his classes. It is very important to the Asians to not only do well, but to do very well. They want the 4.0, so they devote all spare time to studying.
My kid’s no slouch, he has a 3.6 GPA, but according to him, compared to the Asian kids, he doesn’t take his studies seriously...on the other hand, he has a job, plays in a band, and does a lot of fishing...the Asian kids go to school and that’s it. They are here to get an education and that’s what they intend to do. I don’t think it’s a good or bad choice, it’s just what’s important to you, but sometimes “study, study, study”, to the exclusion of other aspects of your life is not always healthy.
I was one of those people who studied, studied, and studied as was my husband.
It was delaying gratification in the interest of a higher goal.
We did the right thing, rose in our professions, have been well off, have friends, hobbies, travel, a good family that I took time off to raise.
Our studying was intrinsic to what we planned to do. We did it without complaint for about 13 years each during which time we never lost sight of our lifelong goals.
It is worthy and to say it isn’t “healthy” is to enable in diminishing your childs possibilities.
I would say to anyone, a child, this is why you do what you do. If you choose not to, be aware you are LIMITING YOUR POSSIBLITIES IN LIFE for a short term goal of pleasure.
sounds like they are expected to grow the hell up and take their place in the world.
I admire the heck out of them.
It just goes to show it takes all kinds, bro. The sales exec needs the nerd to make technological dreams happen, it takes slick sales guys to make it sell, and everything in between. When it all works, it’s a symphony.
You understood that study, study, study was not an end in and of itself. Good on you and your hubs. I love couples like you.
“All they do is study, study, study and try to prepare themselves for working and contributing....”
If I were a tin foil type....I might tighten my Reynolds Resistence Special Faraday head wrap a notch or two...and observe that its QUITE possible that some are threatened by a populace “too well educated” ....and homogenous...at some point in all their reading they’re liable to stumble upon a copy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights....
“Asians are “too dull - they study, study, study.”
Then they will probably also seem dull when our job is to be serving them coffee and tea....
Thanks,,I see parents everyday letting their kids off the hook, making excuses for the kid’s not embracing the idea that life is very long and what you do as an 18 year old will live with you.And it is hard to deny yourself “fun”.
I guess parents want “happy kids” and it is hard to watch them struggle. My parents had no difficulty with that,,they didn’t bat an eye at my studying all Christmas holiday, all summer, seven days a week. They thought it was grand.
WHen my daughter went to college, we discussed the sexual revolution and I told her one thing,,”you only have one reputation, one”
Twenty years later she told me it was the most powerful message she ever got.
Yes, I do. Give them 5 to 7 years, they will take over the NFL.
I don't consider giving up an instrument, or an avocation like fishing (especially since it provides us with food at little expense, LOL)...to be limiting one's possibilities. Our son is a bit of an overachiever, (he's 21 and about to earn his Master's) so I do think it's "healthy" when he takes time off to enjoy things other than studying (he's been in college classes since he was 16.) Different strokes for different folks.
Mark Steyn
Rush Limbaugh
Sean Hannity
Bill Gates
Steve Jobs
Michael Dell
Just saying.
Yes, but I know that several of those people are very well-read. Education does not have to occur in a school or college.
This happened to the Jews in the fifties and sixties. They were thought of as dull grinds.
The thing is that even if they do bail out their children or lower the bar, the kids will be more miserable than ever.
They're smart enough to know when they're being patronized. They know when everyone believes they can't cut it.
There is no greater reward than success if there is a real goal.
Not really. Most universities lose money on their intercollegiate athletics programs.
You took the convenient step of posting the shortest list of several. Then there is the list of those who have gone on to lead productive lives WITH the benefit of a college degree. That would be a very long list.
Perhaps as long would be the list of people who DID NOT go on to lead productive lives because they did not have the benefit of a college degree.
The rule seems to be: If you wish to make 5 or 10 million dollars per year or more, perhaps you needen't bother with college. But if you might be satisfied with somewhat less, better to be safe and get the best education you can.
During my years of studying, I played piano, had friends, went out, drank to excess at times, partied. But it was not alot, was infrequent and never interfered with the studying.
Your child is getting amessage from you that it is “unhealthy” to buckle down and give up fishing as much. He is hearing you say “he needs a break”.
There is no break in life,,he is way young to “need a break”. Kids who take a break see themselves as weak or fragile. He is 21 and has done well,,I don’t believe in the whole “overachiever” thing,,it implies he did better than he should have.
LIfe is long,,to start “needing breaks” at 21 is not a good idea in my mind,,
I never said his activities interfered with study, his grade point is high. The article said that all the Asian kids did was study. What I’m really saying is you can do both, enjoy life and get an education, one is not exclusive of the other.
And as far as a life philosophy, I do think everyone needs breaks in order to maintain balance in their lives. I work full time, his father works full time, and he works and goes to school. Taking time from our busy schedule to do enjoyable things is not “goofing off” IMHO, it’s just part of living a full life.
Some people play golf, some fish, some shop, some Freep...but we all need breaks from the “routine” of work or study, relaxation so to speak. It’s good for the brain and the body.
Is he taking time out of school to get a break?
I thought that is what you were saying and that the competition from the Asian students was something he had decided he couldn’t do.
And I don’t know that calling what the Asian kids do as “unhealthy” is anything more than defending your son’s posture in not being able to compete with them.
If he doesn’t want that, fine, but he needs to know that he has one time in his life to get himself ready to go out and make his future. And that if he doesn’t mind seeing the Asians get ahead of him for life, that is fine.
But frankly, I would suggest he emulate them,,fish less, study harder, compete with them. Otherwise get used to saying “yes sir” to a bunch of Asians. Who will be off on their long vacations, spending their hard won money at great fishing places, having much security and leisure and really cool cars.
Kids often don’t see that ahead.
No he's never taken time off school. In fact he's had perfect attendance through his college years (since he's been 16.) Never missed a class, that's more than I could say for me during college, LOL.
He's taken 15-18 hours per term every term, except now in grad school full time is 9 hours per term, but he works a job in his field, and is a GA (that gets him tuition free) in addition to his classes.
The Asian kids he's had dealings with impose a standard on themselves and aim for a 4.0. (many of them are also here being sponsored by their countries, so they are not working or putting themselves through college.) But if the question were to be asked if a 4.0 is as important to him as it is to the Asian kids, I'd imagine the answer would be no. His feeling is that job experience, responsibility as a GA, and graduating with honors (but not a 4.0) will serve him as well as a 4.0 in his academic studies.
If the 4.0 is what is ultimately important, then yes, he will have missed out but academic achievement does not always translate into success in the workplace. Time will tell!
Speaking from personal experience, the people in college who are willing to sacrifice and give their absolute best tend to do better after college than those who waste themselves on partying and hitting on girls.
Most of my friends from college who partied, took “breaks” and had soft liberal arts majors are ALL struggling right now. Unemployed, living with parents, working as waiters....
Meanwhile the ones who worked their butts off and studied Engineering or Hard Sciences are now mostly well-off.
At the end of the day, the Asian Americans seem to ON AVERAGE have a work-ethic that is a cut above most non-Asian Americans. Once again, I’m speaking from the perspective of an AA. It seems like such a waste to prevent people to better themselves.
I can agree to that. I make a good living and when they threw me out of college, I had to fake cancer to get back in. I am going to hell for that one.....
My hubby made 4.0 all thru,,his person, who he is, has made him very very successful. He is almost 70 and is an expert skier, started late, and expert diver, started at 40, a computer whiz not related to his job and a person who is admired by everyone. He quit working to take care of me for the last year.
He worked his butt off all the way thru school and it paved the way for him, made him the worker he is. I think he has the best work ethic of anyone I have known. The habits of eight years, the ability to put off pleasure, the sheer desire to be better than anyone else developed during his long school years.
A typical liberal arts education, which consists of little more than PC dogma, undermines critical thinking skills, diminishes one's ability to think, and therefore to earn a living, and above all, diminishes one's ability to lead a good life.
Those who graduate and go on to earn a good living do so in spite of their formalized schooling. Remember that students chosen by colleges generally have a better aptitude for learning. As a dean of a law school once told me, because Harvard accepts the most intelligent people in the country, they don't have to work hard for their graduates to be "successful." That's why their screening process is so rigorous.
The only area within higher ed that provides value is in the hard sciences, which represents a small percentage of majors. Until now, the hard sciences have been able to escape from dogmatic thinking, but that's changing. Postmodernism undertands the principles that undergird the scientific method, and postmodernism rejects them.
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